Japanese-Led Design Wins Ecuador National Museum After Controversy

The new Museo Nacional de Ecuador (MuNa) will be built from a Japanese-led design, after the initial winner was rejected within days following a social media backlash. The project, with a $100 million investment, aims to house 1.2 million cultural artifacts spanning 12,000 years of history, of which less than 1% is currently on display.

Initial Rejection

On July 6, 2026, the government announced 'Ecos del Sol' by Spanish architect Alberto Campo Baeza and Ecuadorian firm MAODA as the winner of an international competition with 17 proposals. However, within two days, online criticism erupted, with critics likening the design to a financial platform. On July 10, Minister Roberto Luque declared the project 'not what Ecuador needs,' cancelling it Source: El País. The move led to the resignation of Vice Minister of Culture Romina Muñoz and Museum Director Carlos Montalvo Source: Infobae.

New Process

Luque then opened a new selection round, inviting back finalists and adding a citizen vote (15% weight) alongside a technical jury (85%). Nine of the ten original finalists accepted Source: Infobae. Experts like juror Eduardo McIntosh defended the original winner, stating it was chosen for 'technical reasons' and offered the best protection for collections Source: El País. Critics had pointed to a lack of windows and green facades, but McIntosh countered that controlling natural light is essential for exhibitions.

New Winner

On July 19, the government announced the winner: 'Estratos Vivos' (Living Strata), led by Japanese firm SANAA with A0, CPA, and JHS, scoring 81.7 points. The design features layered horizontal forms representing time stratification, with circular spaces referencing ancestral meeting places . The project beat 10 finalists with the support of 50,681 citizens who voted .